Swelling is a reaction of your tissue to that trauma, which means that having absolutely no swelling after a surgical procedure is not realistic. Get a 10% Discount on Minimally Invasive Hammertoe Surgery Today how are you now? I am able to get on a running shoe but is so painful after a short time. Thank you for that. I was so excited to be able to put weight on foot and start walking but it's so painful and my foot gets swollen if I walk too much. I am 65 and I do dancing for pleasure and exercise. I appreciate you having this website. My pin was pulled out at 6 weeks minus one day, my foot was unwrapped and only some steri strips were left at the sites of incisions, that is a few such strips over the former bunion, a few strips at the base of the second toe (formerly hammer toe) and a vertical strip along this second toe. A swollen or "sausage" toe is the most common complication following hammertoe surgery. While these untoward results can occur, they are unlikely if both the surgeon and the . But you might have to try a few different shoes before you find the right ones. What to Expect After the Procedure. The pins remain in place to allow the bones to grow together and are removed after the joint has fused. Minimally invasive surgery requires only a few small incisions. I have a big problem with swelling and I dread trying to put on my soft trainers. Fusion procedures realign and fixate the bone in place which can limit . After two days I would say that I have noticed a huge improvement in the discomfort I have been experiencing. What is the latest research on the form of cancer Jimmy Carter has? A great review on the various causes of shin splints, along with treatment options. I can't even stand to have a blanket on my foot yet. Swelling and Pain As mentioned earlier, post surgery recovery will involve varying degrees of pain and swelling. It is possible to treat flexible hammer toe without surgery, often by simply switching to better shoes. just started antibiotics today, but im super worried and just want ti be back to normal. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately. Most patients are back on their feet and participating in normal activities within three weeks of minimally invasive hammertoe surgery. This straightens the toe and can help reduce pain. I don't know about you but I was hoping to be back on my bike at 12 weeks and now at 6 weeks I cannot imagine putting on a cycling shoe. Surgery might be your only solution for severe pain and discomfort caused by hallux rigidus, but there are some expenses to take into account if, If you suffer from arthritis, stem cell injections can be used as a form of treatment in addition to the common orthopedic care. Walking can help increase circulation and reduce swelling. my toes (the 2 in the middle) got twisted going down a step & now it's worse! Patients should remain non-weight bearing for at least 4 weeks or until the surgeon advises. Once healing takes place, the pain should continue to decrease until it subsides. Nevertheless, I was happy with the results. Last wk. I started doing floor yoga stretching and some dumbbell weights at home. thank you for your response. Have you tried walking just in socks or barefooted? So, I am still elevating my foot a lot. FAILURE TO KEEP THE FOOT ELEVATED DURING THE FIRST WEEK CAN RESULT IN SWELLING, PAIN, HEMATOMA, AND INFECTION AND NOT ONLY SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE THE RECOVERY BUT ALSO PLACE THE FOOT AT RISK. And my toes, the big one and the next are not flexible in the least. You can see my right foot is fatter and swollen in comparison to my left. During the procedure, the surgeon made an incision (cut) in your skin to expose your toe joint and repair the toe. Is this something good or does it do anything bad to the foot? Ice packs to reduce pain and swelling can help with pain and inflammation. An IV can be used to administer anesthesia or to provide a drug that helps a person feel relaxed while awake. Home treatment, including changing shoes and toe exercises, often work. My doctor said and I have read it also swelling would can't for up to a year. You say you were instructed to flex and bend your foot and toes. Last medically reviewed on October 1, 2017. A presentation of newer skin protection combinations in an effort to better protect the skin from the hazards of sun exposure. Floating toe this is a type of deformity where the toe cant lay flat on the surface but instead sticks up in the air. In some cases, a wound dehiscence may occur. effective way to correct a hammer toe, however by fusing the toe we make the toe stiff at one of the joints. I was allowed back in normal shoes after 7 weeks but at first I could only wear sandals, then aqua shoes for quite a while. My husband and I have readjusted in every way possible! Recovery: As it is true to any given medical procedure, the recovery rate varies from person to person. Two to three months after your operation, you should be able to return to all of your usual activities and sports, although some mild swelling may remain for up to twelve months. Andrew had an osteotomy bunionectomy and a hammertoe correction with a plantar plate repair. A good review of the possible benefits to taking glucosamine, chondroitin or MSM for arthritis. Removal of the second toe for severe hammertoe deformity in elderly patients [Abstract]. Constipation often happens after general anesthesia and surgery. Those first two weeks I was diligent (most of the time!) Now the infected area is drying up but looks unsightly. In some cases, a wound dehiscence may occur. My foot feels better than it has in months. Thank you. Don't be discouraged and wish you'd never done the op as truly, it's so good to see neat feet and not to have bunion pain. Ways To Reduce Fluid Buildup in a Swollen Foot. The incision will probably leave a scar. I'm yet another person with an ugly swollen second toe several weeks after surgery..much more swollen than it was weeks ago. I'm finding that for me this procedure has been an emotional journey as well as a physical one. from him right now and I won't be back to the area until around Xmas. Seabrook (603) 964-6555 In this case, the surgeon often uses joint resection or fusion techniques. The surgery should not hurt. But I think I couldn't wear them until I was about 10-12 weeks PO. Take over-the-counter or prescription pain medication according to your doctor's instructions. Make sure there's a half-inch (1.27 centimeters) of space between your longest toe and the inside tip of your shoe. Read our editorial policy. Get plenty of rest and keep the foot elevated while sitting or lying down. Have you experienced this? Can diet help improve depression symptoms? If that fails, surgery might be the only option. You will be able to walk immediately after your surgery but should take it easy and keep your foot elevated for three or four days. Well, I tried with wide, large sneakers and then wide Lem shoes and my foot does not fit into anything. The initial post-operative periodusually between 24 and 36 hours after surgerymay require constant or prolonged elevation to help wounds heal and bleeding subside. I developed bone growth on these two toes and a lump on side of my 4th toe. It's one of the hammertoe treatment options used when a defected toe loses all its flexibility and becomes rigid. My doctor said no leather due to swelling. And your site is so intelligently arranged. Please give me some idea if this is normal!!!! Why is my toe still swollen after hammertoe surgery? The second, third, fourth or fifth toes are affected most often and the deformity usually develops over time as a result of chronic inflammation arthritis, ligament injury or wearing poorly-fitted shoes. I know that swelling is normal and it will last quite a while. Simply click here to return to. So, what can you do in case you have a swollen toe after hammertoe surgery? Patient aims to help the world proactively manage its healthcare, supplying evidence-based information on a wide range of medical and health topics to patients and health professionals. Avoid over-the-counter medicated corn-removal products, many of which contain acid that can cause severe skin irritation. You are to . After classifying your hammertoe as either flexible or fixed, . So we had surgery just one day apart and we are also a year apart. Some possible complications are: Pain or swelling Stiffness Nerve damage Infection Weakness in toe or toes Bones may not heal properly Blood clot Hammertoe reoccurrence Recovering From Hammertoe Correction A good review of the causes of warts and protective measures you can take to prevent developing them. Simply click here to return to Ask the doctor. Swelling is a reaction of your tissue to that trauma, which means that having absolutely no swelling after a surgical procedure is not realistic. Immediately following the outpatient surgical procedure, your orthopedic surgeon will place a boot on your foot. I go to the gym, dance zumba, do pilates (can stand on toes now and do lunges was too painful earlier). My 4th toe is still swollen and hurts 6 months after hammer toe surgery. Please help! Sometimes, nerve tissue can become trapped, creating a painful scar called an adhesion. I asked whether I should do some mobility exercises with my foot and toes and he said "Just walk". Its very frustrating to still be so swollen. Notes on 6 weeks after bunion/hammertoe surgery - foot quite swollen, https://patient.info/forums/discuss/6-weeks-after-bunion-hammertoe-surgery-foot-quite-swollen-722059. Toe-strengthening exercises, such as picking items up off the floor with the toes, may also help. This causes your toe to curve into the shape of a hammer or a claw. Some people will receive intravenous (IV) medication before or during surgery. Damage to the lymphatic and/or venous circulation can account for this postoperative edema. In general, it takes approximately 6 weeks to 3 months to fully recover from surgery. After surgery, you may have a wire or pin holding your toe joint together. The problem usually begins with a muscle imbalance. The most common cause of a wound dehiscence is infection. At present I wouldn't be able to walk to the end of our street without having to hobble back like I'm 100 years old. The reduced space in the toe box causes your toes to bend to fit in the available space. Hammertoes develop when a muscle imbalance develops and from wearing shoes that cramp your toes, like high heels or shoes with pointed, narrow toe boxes. Elevating the foot can speed up healing and reduce pain. Obviously, I cannot do anything like that. Stitches are eliminated after 7 to 21 days. My doctor said that I could walk in soft wide tennis shoes. Our board . My doctor said my x-ray looked perfect but if it still was swollen in another 3 months to come back for an MRI. I greatly admire someone like you who would donate and dedicate so much time and effort to helping strangers with no compensation. I'm heading to my weights to do some seated dumbbells and floor yoga but I know it'll be hard and exhausting. How are you now? But I am worried that I cannot wear even wide soft athletic shoes. at our local hospital. Or should I check in with my dr. There is also the chance of developing a flail toe, one that does not sit flat on the ground. Surgery is one of the most effective ways to treat a hammer toe. A flail toe sticks up in the air a bit and can be either stiff or floppy. Surgery can often be done with a local anesthetic that only numbs the toe, so the person remains awake during the operation. I am in constant pain. Following surgery, most people experience swelling, which can last up to a year. It still hurts to walk. The swelling has really gone down more - my foot looks normal from the top (well few scars and a funny colour and some bruising still) but it's still swollen when you look at it from the side, so I couldn't yet put my foot into most of my shoes (even if I was allowed). After surgery, you will need to wear a special type of shoe to protect your toe and to keep it in the right position for 3 to 6 weeks. Patient is a UK registered trade mark. I feel like I'm on house arrest and I mostly stay home, since I can't drive until at least 8 weeks. An ingrown toenail can usually be treated at home. Recovery after hammertoe surgery will be different for every patient, length of time to full recovery will depend on following doctor's instructions. welling stopped probably the end of August beginning of September my foot is completely normal. The shoe should remain on until seen in the office for your first post-op visit. All rights reserved. Certain food groups have a tendency to raise your blood sugars and should be avoided. The hammertoe correction before and after hammer toe surgery is significant, but the healing process can be uncomfortable. I am practically under house arrest. After your procedure is complete, your trusted podiatrist closes the incisions with a stitch and applies compression dressing. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek It's very painful. Pain can be controlled through the use of pain medications dispensed by the surgeon. Join in and write your own page! Yay.. 1st shower( without pin and plastic cover) at 6 weeks too. I will NEVER have this surgery in the other foot! not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in Ask an Expert Medical Questions I still have pain and swelling 7 weeks after hammertoe Dr. B., Doctor 7,827 Satisfied Customers Physician with 8 years of experience. Immediately after your surgery, the operated toe will be red, a bit swollen, and maybe even stiff for a while - even though the deformity was corrected successfully. on the sides of my feet. so I have had both feet done now the first one I had done last year September 2019 my foot was swollen quite big I would say for around four months and then after that the more I walked on it the more it was swollen this was on and off through the whole of the summer we are now in December 2019 I would say the Welling stopped probably the end of August beginning of September my foot is completely normal. 31st Oct 2018. Every specialist will ensure you understand the risks and benefits of this procedure and that you have realistic expectations. Under local anesthetic, a person will not be able to feel the procedure itself, but they may feel pressure or pulling. Learn more about some specific conditions that require medical attention, including surgery. For the correction of flexible hammertoes, soft tissue release is often used and this will maintain the structural stability of the toe. Your toe should be fused and the wound healed around four to six weeks after surgery. Usually the patient feels very good and wants to start doing things. Before having hammer toe surgery, the surgeon will test the circulation through blood tests and vascular studies, but delayed healing can still occur in some patients, according to FootDoc.ca 3. Traditionally, hammertoe surgery involved incisions alongthe tops of your toes, which allowed your podiatric surgeon to release your affected toe joints and the tight tendons and muscles. Blood vessels in the area of the cut begin to form clots that keep you from losing too much blood. I feel really cut off not even being able to duck out to the shop for, say, a bottle of milk. And to go out of the house, and into the car, I had to navigate a good number of stone steps, icy, and snowy, dragging myself on my butt since I wasn't allowed to bear any weight. And yes my foot was swellon for 4months I could get into a Reebok cloth tennis shoe it will take time i hope all goes well for you. It was very painful but after awhile it went away. We don't and now I am in an enforced prolonged house arrest. The sooner something is done, the less likely you will be left with residual problems. The surgery is performed to lessen pain and/or improve flexibility when the muscles in the toe can't stretch and straighten. Hammer toe surgery can also be done under general anesthesia. Now there is a big gaping hole there, horrifying, oozing. Over time, the toe muscles grow weaker and are no longer able to straighten the toe. Is this really the be. Does glucosamine or MSM reduce arthritis pain? Keep in touch! All rights reserved. Pain and Swelling Hammer toe surgery requires the cutting of skin, nerves, tendon and bone, and as such, pain and swelling are not unexpected following the surgery, according to Premier Podiatry. I still have pain and swelling 7 weeks after hammertoe surgery. Hammer toe can develop in any of the lesser toes, but most often affects the second toe, according to the Merck Manuals 1. FAX: (603) 964-6515. Usually, infections after hammertoe surgery arent complicated and can be fully treated with a course of oral antibiotics. Always beware of the possible side effects of over the counter supplements. If your foot takes a bit longer to heal, there might be some persistent mild swelling weeks after the surgery. This happens more often in smokers, diabetics and those with metabolic diseases. A hammer toe is a potentially painful deformity of the second, third, or fourth toes, where the toe bends upward at the joint, resembling a hammer. The surgeon did not instruct me to do any taping or PT or anything, he said I could resume normal activity. I was told the steri strips would eventually come off by themselves. I thank you for putting together this incredible website. Recovery doesnt always need to be painful, so some patients dont need medication to deal with the pain. Take your antibiotics religiously and expect swelling for a long time, so put your feet up often. Andrew worked the entire time after surgery and had absolutely no pain or need for pain medication. Minimally invasive surgeries have improved patient outcomes, reducing many of the risks of traditional surgery. I lived in Orange County between 1983 and 1990. I started to wrap my toe with coban this week like Dr. Mitnick suggests. During a tendon transfer, the surgeon pulls a tendon near the hammer toe across the top of the joint. She had her surgery on June 9th, 2011. Some patients might need these pain medications for an extended period of time if thats the case, the doctor has to monitor the use. Tendons attach muscle to bone. Heart failure: Could a low sodium diet sometimes do more harm than good? PT is recommended by my dr once I can walk but not before. Home treatment and better shoes may offer temporary relief from the pain, and a doctor may recommend trying a custom orthotic device before surgery. ago, which ultimately proved to be an over correction. I am open to ANY and ALL suggestions that have proven helpful to keep the swelling down and END THE PAIN in my toes. If you have bunions that cause big toe pain, call your healthcare provider for treatment. I use co-flex tape per my Drs recommendation and an ace bandage and sometimes wear the black shoe with open toe around the house. Dehiscence means that the wound has healed poorly or breaks open after healing. The doctor will tell you the dose you need to use and for how long. I feel SO much better after reading this..thank you. (1) Use those alphabet exercises. And it hurts, shooting pain that is amplified when I put that surgical sandal on to go to the bathroom. . Now, since that yanking episode, it hurts to even flex my foot minimally. Patience is key for this kind of healing journey.. The foot doctor said to massage it everyday, but after all this time it is still swollen and has a slight hump even though I did all that was said to do after he surgery. He is a doctor, pediatrician and he thinks it is better for wounds to heal with nothing on. Join in and write your own page! Also, as the joints are left intact, your recovery time is much shorter. And that open toe surgical sandal. Ice placed just above the surgical site can help keep swelling to a minimum. Getting the proper nutrition will provide your body with the essentials it needs to promote healing. I'm so paranoid and just want a 2nd opinion. Then, the surgeon will use pins to help keep the joint in place. You can have sedation, but its not necessary. These pins can be removed a few weeks after the surgery. So, I do minimal walking. Often elevation will help. Services Simona, I can so relate! Cold therapy lasts 10-20 minutes never leave your ice packs on the leg for longer. However, if your toe is swollen and it hurts, your doctor will prescribe some over-the-counter pain medications that will help with both swelling and pain. I wonder why it hurts when I leave it on in bed? Your toe and foot will have some redness, swelling, and pain after surgery. I am now 6 weeks post hallux varus - big toe fusion with 4 pins (2 in each) in 2nd and 3rd Hammer toes. Infection whenever there is an incision on your skin, an infection is a possibility. This can eventually cause the joint to become deformed. Food choices that raise your risk of type 2 diabetes. To realize just how lucky you are just living in a warmer climate, think that we had snow over here, and obviously it was quite chilly. Keep ice on your foot during your waking hours for the first few days after your surgery to control pain and reduce swelling. I'm disappointed in the look of my toes. Ugg boots are tolerable . This means you need to draw an imaginary figure A, then B, then C and so on, all the way to Z. The patient should understand that mild-to-moderate swelling persists for many months after surgery and limits footwear options until it has resolved. It is also possible for a corn to develop over the prominent joint. I'm 64 and a very active cyclist and hiker so this is brutal. So now the other foot was done on the 19th of November although it was the same surgery completely different experience I was up and around after five days although my foot was sore it was mostly in the night it would wake me up the swelling is minimal I have to be honest its the 14th of December 2019 and I have my sneakers on although when I do walk I have to walk quite slowly but sometimes I dont sometimes it slightly swollen sometimes its not so I think really and truly how are you can recover has a lot to do with your body and how it works what I would suggest is taking vitamin di vitamin see and high-strength visuals that is the difference this time to the last time I started taking these six weeks prior to having my surgery I really do believe they made a difference but remember youve just had a massive Surgery and trauma to your foot so just try to keep it elevated as much as possible doing lots of fluid and take supplements that are naturally sourced to help with your recovery you will not regret it in the end you will have a lovely feet I am so happy. The recovery time following hammer toe surgery can vary depending on the procedure performed. Some swelling may remain at this point, but a year after your operation healing should be complete and any remaining swelling will have disappeared. Appointments & Locations. Use life-giving positivity to put the breaks on your negative thoughts and negative life-draining negativity. It is recommended to walk every day for at least a little bit during your recovery period. These exercises can also prevent hammer toe from coming back. By the way, millions of websites could use yours as a guideline on how to organize information and make the site user-friendly. Patients should be able to return to their normal lifestyle. Types of Hammertoe Surgery. Week 2: This is probably the most difficult time after foot surgery. "The most common complaint is stiffness and swelling of the toe, which can last for a few months," says Dr. Botek. Often, hammertoe corrective surgery requires the patient to take significant time out of their schedule. I was told it's because of the swelling and the x-rays look fine and no changes in bone.I was so happy with the results a few days ago. My question is about the boot the surgeon sent home with me to begin wearing - 25% weight increasing to 100% over next 2 weeks. Your doctor may suggest that you elevate for about 30 minutes every two hours or on an as-needed basis if you notice a high amount of swelling or pain after the initial . This pulls the toe into a straighter position, compensating for muscle weaknesses and improving the toes appearance. This comment is to let one know what to expect with hammertoe surgery. I have a return visit with the doctor which is 6 weeks after the removal of two pens in two of the three toes operated on. However, cutting an already ingrown nail at home can make it worse. I have iced, soaked & elevated my foot & got no relief. I ended up seeing my surgeon and he removed the wire and gave me antibiotics/Mobic. Yesterday was actually my first trip out to a store to buy a bottle of wine to take to a holiday party. Usually, for Christmas I do a lot of special cooking. All rights reserved. Your surgeon may use an X-ray machine or a thin surgical tool with a camera mounted on the tip to create images of your toes to guide the surgical procedure. People with a history of bad reactions to general anesthesia or who want the shortest possible recovery time might prefer a local anesthetic. They will slowly get better with time. Full recovery may take as long as 1 year. . Footwear may be advanced as tolerated once the pin is removed (typically 4-6 weeks after surgery). If your feet are still swollen please don't force them in shoes. Chronically swollen toes can also be the result of a symptomatic non-union at an attempted arthrodesis site. So I'm not attempting it any more till I'm further healed. Depending on the type of surgery you had, your recovery time can vary if youve undergone a minimally invasive procedure, it will be about 4-6 weeks. // Leaf Group Lifestyle, Complications From Arthroscopic Knee Surgery, How to Increase Flexibility in My Big Toes, Complications of Spinal Fusion With Harrington Rods, FootDoc.ca: Complications of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Podiatry Today: "How To Address the Complications of Hammertoe Surgery" by Molly Judge, DPM. You should elevate your leg above the level of your heart if youre lying down, put the leg against the wall or on the pillow. To help further, the foot needs to be kept elevated so that the swelling subsides. Should I try the colban wrap? Swelling accompanied by pain isnt the only thing that can occur after hammertoe surgery. Lapiplasty is minimally invasive, meaning it requires smaller incisions and less trauma to the foot area. Hang in there, we will get there. If you don't elevate, fluid may collect in the foot and cause additional pain. Kudos to you! Note that there is very minor bruising at this point and swelling is minimal. It felt good. Keeping the affected leg and foot elevated can reduce swelling. I'm constantly fighting to stay upbeat. Its actually the first pain I'm experiencing since the surgery.
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